“New York loft-style” and “nostalgic neo-Parisian” are not phrases you would typically associate with the barefoot luxe resorts of the Maldives. That’s until Huvafen Fushi unveiled The PlayPen, The Grand Beach Pavilion, spanning 800 square metres over two floors. The resort has taken the dual inspiration of Manhattan and Paris for its epic new villa, featuring an eclectic collection of handpicked, vintage furniture.

The elevated, open-plan master bedroom (and playroom) features an oversized ocean view bath, private steam and sauna, wet area and balcony overlooking the black lava stone infinity pool, which is Burgundy floodlit as the sun sets over the house reef. The glamorous Maldivian hideaway can be accessed via a dramatic private courtyard, leading to the lounge and dining area, with a Bang & Olufsen sound system, plasma TVs and ‘bottomless’ cocktail bar.

The downstairs culinary gallery flows seamlessly out to the private deck, with daybeds, an outdoor shower, private BBQ area and a striking infinity pool that points toward the beach and beyond – which is where pleasure seekers can also arrive, aboard Huvafen Fushi’s dashing 45’ Italian luxury speedboat, Veloce. Then, once cosied away in private PlayPen paradise, guests will be pampered with a dedicated 24-7 butler service and a sensual massage in Huvafen Spa’s legendary underwater treatment area.

Elsewhere across the resort, the 44 modern villas – all with private pools – have all been refreshed and the spa refurbished and enhanced by celebrated wellness practitioners from PURE Massage to Teresa Tarmey. There are also new culinary experiences include modern Japanese cuisine with a Latin twist at Feeling Koi and designer drinks dreamt up by mixologists from London’s PURL, complimenting the established gastronomic lineup including subterranean wine trove Vinum, alfresco Italian Forno and relaxed deck dining at Celsius.

Opened March 20, The PlayPen, The Grand Beach Pavilion starts from US$17,000 per night for minimum five-night stay based on two adults sharing including breakfast.